Abstract: To provide a more efficient resource allocation method and system using a genetic algorithm (GA). The present technology includes a method for allocating resources to a production process including a plurality of processes, the method including allocating priorities to the plurality of processes, selecting processes executable at a first time among the plurality of processes and capable of allocating necessary resources, allocating the necessary resources to the selected processes in descending order of priorities, selecting processes executable at a second time that is later than the first time among the plurality of processes and capable of allocating necessary resources, and allocating the necessary resources to the selected processes in descending order of priorities. The present technology also includes, as a method of expressing genes of GA, not having direct allocation information for genes but having information (priority) for determining an order for allocation.

Abstract: A wireless network can perform a topological mapping through its gateway, which sends a multicast message over the wireless network to every node of a network. Each of the nodes on the network, on receipt of the multicast message, can transmit a one-hop multicast message containing a topological ping to its neighboring nodes. A neighboring node receiving a topological ping will store information relating to the link quality between the sender and neighboring nodes. After network traffic related to the topology discovery has quieted, the neighboring nodes sends the stored information to the gateway, without any processing by the node which sent the topological ping. All nodes may also implement a randomized delay both before sending the topological ping, and/or before sending the stored information to the gateway, to minimize the opportunity for data collision of messages relating to topological discovery.

Abstract: A switching circuit with switches between a charging path and a low-impedance active path. The charging path comprises a zener diode substantially in parallel with a charging capacitor. Current flows through the charging path when the circuit is powered on and a power supply charges the charging capacitor while current flows through the charging path. The low-impedance bypass path comprises a switch that remains closed until a voltage across the charging capacitor exceeds a threshold voltage. The switch opens when the charging capacitor exceeds the threshold voltage.

Abstract: In a tag identification system, active tags are configured to emulate at least one passive tag so that existing passive identifications systems, such as passive radio-frequency (RFID) systems or near field communication (NFC) systems, can be retrofitted to operate with the active tag without having to make expensive hardware updates to the readers within the system. The active tag permits continuous monitoring of its movement or status, as may be desired, regardless of its proximity relative to the readers thereby allowing a system to capture more data regarding the tag's location and use. In addition, the active tag may be compatible with different passive identification systems thereby permitting it to operate with disparate passive identification systems and obviating the need of the user to carry multiple passive tags.

Abstract: A control unit for a dressing for treating damaged tissue via a pair of electrodes. An electric current passes between the electrodes through the gel to repair the damaged tissue. Sensors can be incorporated into the dressing along with a control unit. The control unit can vary current supplied to the electrodes. One or more pre-defined programs can be stored in the control unit for supplying an alternating current to the electrodes with a varying amplitude, frequency and waveform.

Abstract: Described herein are methods of detecting the presence or progression of neuromuscular disorders (including ALS) based at least in part on diaphragm EMG signals taken at different points in time from the same implanted electrode(s). Signals may be used to diagnose or to monitor progression of a disorder or to track a treatment. Thus, diaphragm EMG signal may be used as a marker (e.g., a “biomarker”) for the detection or progression of a neurological disorder such as ALS. The characteristics or parameters of diaphragm EMG signals may be used to create an activity index, which may be output or compared and further analyzed. These signals may also be analyzed to show a difference between the left and right sides of the diaphragm.

Abstract: A network node for use in a wireless sensor network has memory that is configured to store a routing indicator indicating whether the network node may function as a routing node for messages destined for other nodes of the wireless sensor network. The network node also has logic that is configured to control, based on the routing indicator, whether the network node is specified as a hop for a data path from a source node to a destination node of the wireless sensor network. In one exemplary embodiment, the routing indicator is controlled based on sleeping characteristics of the network node.

Abstract: A method for the simultaneous measurement of proteolylic enzyme generation and clot strength in plasma or whole blood or any appropriate biological sample derived from blood. The measurement method encompasses the use of a detectable substrate which includes a moiety that can be released upon reaction with the targeted proteolytic enzyme, and elements for measurement of an increase in viscosity of clot strength.

Abstract: A tag security system has a plurality of hubs positioned within a store. A security tag is attached to an article of merchandise and tracked, via the hubs, to determine when the security tag is moved to a predefined area, such as close to a store exit. An alarm is provided when the security tag is determined to be within the predefined area. In addition to providing merchandise security, the security tag is used for other purposes, such as taking inventory and marketing analysis. As an example, during a store-wide inventory, the approximate location of the article of merchandise may be determined via wireless communication with the security tag. Also, the security tag may be used to sense when consumers are handling the article of merchandise thereby providing marketing information indicative of consumer interest in such article.

Abstract: A fall detection device (10) which comprises two identical housings (11), each containing an identical pressure sensor (12) housed within a suitable recess (13) of the corresponding housing (11). The housings (11) are mounted on a printed circuit (14) using electrical connection pins (15). The two sensors (12) are arranged coaxially head to foot and communicate directly with the ambient air in order to output a measurement of the atmospheric pressure value. The sensors are arranged so as to generate a signal based on the measurements utilized for detecting a fall, and comprise a unit for transmitting the signal to a transmission station as an alarm signal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system operable to enable shortest connection route for a mobile means of a subscriber, when the mobile means has roamed between a home network comprised in the system, and a foreign network comprised in the system. When the mobile means requests connection to Internet I, a serving means comprised in the foreign network is operable to communicate with, and to receive information regarding a voucher, representing an amount of money, regarding the foreign network, from a voucher registry means comprised in the system. If a voucher, representing enough amount of money, is registered in the voucher registry means, the serving means is operable to route a packet to a gateway means comprised in the foreign network. The gateway means is operable to allocate an IP address for the mobile means and to function as an access point to Internet I.

Abstract: A device and method verifies the electrical output of a microcurrent therapy device. The current and/or voltage of an electrical pulse, being supplied to an electrode adapted to contact tissue, is measured by a control unit. The current and/or voltage is supplied by the control unit according to a predefined waveform. Any difference in the current or voltage of the electrical pulse being supplied with respect to the current or voltage of the predefined waveform is detected.

Abstract: A door closer assembly is provided, including a valve regulating an amount of hydraulic fluid that flows through the valve. The amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve controls a force generated by the door closer assembly on a door. A first sensor measures an angular position of the door, and a second sensor measures an angular position of the valve. The angular position of the valve determines the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve. A controller controls the adjustment of the valve based on the angular position of the door and the angular position of the valve.

Abstract: A method of determining the course of enzyme activity that is variable in time, wherein the activity is probed by conversion of a substrate of the enzyme, includes, in a selected test set up and for a determined substrate of the enzyme, determining the velocity of signal production (dFdiag/dt) resulting from a time curve of the signal (Fdiao=f(A)) obtained from splitting the substrate when it is contacted with a determined initially fixed concentration of the enzyme (E) and providing a “diagnostic plot” with the values of (dFdiag/dt) against the signal (Fdiag) and determining whether the diagnostic plot is either a straight line or a parabola and in the same test conditions, for a given test sample, determining the signal production (Fexp) resulting from splitting the substrate by the enzyme generating in and/or disappearing from the sample and providing the time curve of signal Fexp=f(t); and transforming the obtained experimental value of the signal (Fexp) into an ideal value (Ftransf).

Abstract: A method and system for providing therapy to a patient. A headset can be used that automatically provides stimulation to the eyes. A stimulator device may be worn over the chest that provides feedback data to a controller. The controller can analyze the received feedback data in order to update the lights and can dynamically alter the therapeutic display provided through the headset.

Abstract: A system for providing an open-ended subscription to commodity items normally available on a term basis includes a central agent that serves as the front-end for commodity suppliers. This central agent maintains databases containing information associated with a group of commodity items and their sales. Using these databases, the central agent produces subscription records to provide open-ended subscription services to its customers, while supporting the term-based subscriptions of the commodity suppliers.